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  • Sallah: I ‘ll never disappoint Kebbi people – Gov. Idris

    Sallah
    By Muhammad Lawal
    Arfat, (Saudi Arabia), June 15, 2024 (NAN), Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi, has promised not to disappoint the people of the state in his efforts to take the state to the next level of development.
    Alhaji Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to the governor disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen in Arfat, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
    Idris quoted his principal as saying this in his Sallah message to mark the 1445 Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
    The governor said his desire for Kebbi to be one of the best states in Nigeria was beyond someone’s imagination.
    Idris observed that his coming into the position of authority was by the will of God Almighty, who influenced the minds of the Kebbi people to support and vote him into power.
    “Therefore, I am ready to serve you better and by His (Almighty) grace, I will never disappoint you people.
    ”Let me reiterate that my mission and vision for the state is for the good of all, not for my personal aggrandizement,” he assured.
    While appreciating the good people of Kebbi for rallying round his administration,  Idris solicited for more support and cooperation from all and sundry to enable him give the state a befitting outlook.
    He felicitated the Muslim Ummah in Kebbi, Nigeria and around the globe for yet another Eid-el-Kabir celebration and prayed for a blissful, peaceful and successful Sallah celebration.
    To the pilgrims, the governor rejoiced with them over a successful and peaceful Hajj exercise and prayed for an acceptable Hajj (Hajj Mabrur) to each pilgrim.
    He then commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Kebbi Pilgrims Welfare Board for their tireless efforts towards a successful Hajj operations.
    Idris appealed to both organisations to sustain the gigantic efforts for a successful  Hajj exercise.
    The governor thanked the different Hajj  committees in the state for working round the clock to achieve the successes recorded so far and urged them to improve on what they have done in the subsequent years. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    KLM/BRM
    ============
    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mnai

  • LASG donates N1bn seed fund for startups to LASRIC

    LASG donates N1bn seed fund for startups to LASRIC

    By Oluwatope Lawanson and Stellamaris Ashinze

    Lagos, June 14, 2024 (2024) Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Friday presented a cheque of ₦1 billion as seed fund for startups to the Lagos State Science, Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC)..

    Sanwo-Olu made the presentation at the inauguration of members of the newly reconstituted Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC) in Lagos.

    He said that the seed funding was for the advancement of scientific innovations in Lagos State.

    He emphasised the state’s commitment to supporting innovation, acknowledging Lagos as the home to many promising early-stage and unicorn startups.

    Sanwo-Olu said that in the past years, the success metrics in the startup ecosystem in Lagos State had leapfrogged startups in many other cities and countries in Africa.

    He said that there had been amazing impacts in Foreign Direct Investment attraction, numbers of startup solutions and patents.

    “We are committed to increasing these success metrics with the provision of LASRIC seed fund to the tune of N1,000,000,000 (one billion Naira) – in the first tranche funding to the council.

    “We believe this fund will continue to catalyse development in our dear state.

    ‘’It is my expectation that the new LASRIC Board being inaugurated today will work assiduously towards ensuring the realisation of our collective goals and aspirations,’’ he said.

    According to the governor, sustaining the path of the development of Lagos State is the central focus of his administration’s THEMES Agenda.

    He said that to drive deeper positive economic outcomes, it became essential to establish an Innovation, Science, and Technology body (LASRIC) to manage and propel Lagos State’s engagement with the science and technology ecosystem.

    According to Sanwo-Olu, the LASRIC council is composed of experts from industry, academia and the public sector.

    He said that their mission was to deepen and expand innovation activities in Lagos.

    “Over the past four years, LASRIC has created over 500 jobs by supporting innovative startups in areas such as AgriTech, the circular economy, climate change and construction tech.

    “In research and development, LASRIC has supported more than 70 initiatives, ranging from projects in biomass and biodiesel to artificial intelligence for medical imaging.

    “LASRIC’s efforts have increased innovation activity within the state by over 250 per cent,” the governor said.

    Sanwo-Olu  added that notably, LASRIC secured the government’s first patent through a multidisciplinary team from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), which worked on the Ambubag Ventilator.

    He said that there were many other patent-pending projects underway, adding that these activities highlighted a path toward strengthening his administration’s value creation tenet.

    While reconstituting the new LASRIC council, the governor commended the outgoing members of council under the leadership of Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, Former Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos.

    He commended their outstanding performance in laying the foundation and charting the course for the new members of the council to build on.

    Sanwo-Olu urged the new members to have a renewed commitment to enhancing the state’s innovation capacity.

    He highlighted key areas of focus for the newly reconstituted council, which included increased funding and support, collaboration and partnership.

    Some others, he said, included capacity building, focus on local challenge and promotion of culture of innovation.

    Also speaking  at the occasion, Mr Olatunbosun Alake, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, said that there was a structured assessment for technology companies and startups that could apply for the seed funding.

    Alake said that the ministry had developed a system of assessment and Code of Activities called “POEM” for would-be applicants.

    “POEM stands for Proposition – what problems are the startups and tech companies solving? Organisation – what kind of skills have been put together to solve the problem?

    “The ‘E’ in POEM stands for Economics – does it make business sense? Will it make money? Will people buy it? and ‘M’ stands for Milestone in terms of the building these businesses will have.

    “Startups or tech companies that are able to pass this assessment and access the seed funding should be able to solve problems in Lagos State and beyond,” Alake said.

    In his acceptance speech, Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya, the newly appointed Chairman of LASRIC and Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University of Science & Technology, expressed his gratitude and outlined his vision for the council’s future.

    “It is a call to duty and to work. I am beyond excited for the opportunity to work with great minds to further advance human enterprise.

    ”We are glad that the government is matching its words with action,” Odusanya said.

    A member of the council and Founder, Eko Innovation  Centre, Mr Victor Afolabi, said that being a member of the council was an opportunity to serve, upskill and support startups. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    SKA/LAW/COF
    =============
    Edited by Christiana Fadare

  • Otti’s wife launches 2024 maternal, newborn, child health week

    Health
    By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
    Umuahia, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Wife of Abia Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti, on Friday, formally launched the first round of the 2024 maternal, newborn and child health week in the state.
    In a speech at the event in Umuahia, organised by the Abia State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHDA), in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Otti said that the programme held great health prospects for women and children in the state.
    The governor’s wife, represented by the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Adaeze Emetu, said that the programme would help to strengthen initiatives focused on improving the health of women and children.
    She said: “Maternal and child deaths have remained on the increase lately and  annoyingly  these deaths are preventable, if we all work together.
    “Mortality from any preventable cause is a violation of the individual’s basic human right and must be stopped.”
    Otti also said that the initiative was necessitated by the need to boost coverage of high impact interventions for mother and child health.
    She described the programme as a simple cost effective mechanism for preventive and curative interventions for improving maternal and child health.
    According to her, activities that will help in reducing the unacceptably high rate of maternal mortality will be supported by the State Government.
    Otti called on health workers to improve their knowledge and  interpersonal communication skills to promote effective healthcare service delivery in Abia.
    In a remark, the Executive Secretary of ASPHDA, Dr Kalu Kalu, said that the programme aimed at delivering a package of basic interventions to women of child-bearing age and children under five.
    Kalu said that the basic interventions had proven to be highly effective in reducing maternal mortality and improving mother and child health.
    “It is a week-long delivery of maternal and child survival interventions, which complement routine health services by ensuring that basic care reach all mothers and children,” he said.
    He also said that the programme would focus on reducing morbidity and mortality from preventable causes and improve the wellbeing of beneficiaries.
    In an address, the Permanent Secretary, Mnistry of Health, Dr Ifeyinwa Uma-Kalu, described the basic health interventions provided for women and children as a step in the right direction.
    Uma-Kalu, represented by Dr Borke Okali, urged the people to embrace the interventions and teachings provided in the various health facilities.
    The Chief of UNICEF, Enugu Field Office, Mrs Juliet Chiluwe, expressed delight over  the introduction of maternal, newborn and child health week.
    Chiluwe, represented by Dr Ephraim Chukwu, commended the government for evolving such a health programme.
    She said that the programme would enhance the provision of high impact and cost-effective interventions to women and children in the state.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the interventions to be provided during the programme include, vitamin supplementation, de-worming, screening of children for malnutrition and immunisation, amongst others.(NAN)(wwwnannews.ng)
    INA/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

  • CCJ digitalisation ’ll enhance transparency, speed in justice delivery —Asante


    Justice Edward Asante, President, ECOWAS Court of Justice, speaking at the event. 

    Digitalisation

    By Mark Longyen

    Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Justice Edward Asante, President, ECOWAS Court of Justice (CCJ) says the court’s digitalisation scheme of adopting Electronic Case Management System (ECMS), will facilitate access, efficiency, transparency, and speedy justice delivery.

    Asante stated this at a sensitisation and training programme for lawyers on CCJ’s newly introduced ECMS in Accra, Ghana, on Friday, the court said.

    He said that the adoption of ECMS, which was in line with the 2020 Practice Directions on Electronic Case Management and Virtual Court Sessions, marked a significant shift towards technological solutions.

    “These innovations have now become permanent features, including online filing of legal documents, electronic service of documents, and virtual court sessions via platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, the president explained.

    “The introduction of the ECMS represents a further commitment to modernising judicial processes, aiming for greater efficiency and accessibility.

    “The system supports electronic filing, automatic electronic service, and comprehensive electronic management of cases.

    “With 24/7 access through a user-friendly portal available in English, French, and Portuguese, the ECMS facilitates real-time case information, court notifications, and hearing schedules, enhancing transparency and reducing costs,” he said.

    The President recalled that the court’s efforts to enhance access to justice through digitalisation, was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

    He said that the week-long programme would enable practitioners to navigate the court’s innovative digital platform, and encourage them to fully engage with the training to harness its benefits.

    Justice Asante recalled that CCJ was established by the Lagos Treaty of 1975, became operational in 2001, and its jurisdiction was expanded in 2005 to include human rights cases within the community.

    He described the inclusion of human rights cases as crucial in upholding fundamental human rights, the rule of law, and good governance in West Africa.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Accra programme is the second of three planned events, following a similar one in Lomé, Togo, with the final one holding later in Praia, Cape Verde.

    The programme, which is conducted in hybrid format, and in the three official languages of ECOWAS -English, French and Portuguese, draws participating lawyers from across ECOWAS member states, both in person and online.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    YEN/AMM

    ========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • Nutritionist advocates home, school gardening for green diet

    Participants at the one-day training in Kwara

    Nutritionist advocates home, school gardening for green diet

    Advocacy

    By Olubukola Aiyedogbon

    Bode Sa’adu(Kwara), June 14, 2024 (NAN) A nutritionist, Mrs Aisha Hussein, says embracing the old practice of home and school gardening will teach younger generation the importance of greens in daily diet.

    Hussein said this at a one-day training organised by the Kwara Government for local government officials.

    The exercise held at Bode Sa’ad in Moro Local Government Area, had the theme: “Balanced Diet with Locally Sourced Food items”.

    She said that malnutrition affects the physical and intellectual growth of children, emphasising the importance of a balanced diet through the use of locally sourced food items.

    According to her, a healthy and balanced diet is good for everyone, especially mothers, for their babies through exclusive breastfeeding.

    Hussein encouraged the participants to embrace the old practice of home gardening, which she said gives fresh vegetables at no cost, and school gardening teaching the younger ones the importance of greens in daily diet.

    Mr Abubakar Bata, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, said the training was to sensitise the people at the grassroots.

    He said it was also to maximise the use of locally sourced food items instead of chemically induced spices.

    Bata, represented by the Director, Personnel, Finance and Supply, Mr Micheal Oyelowo, appreciated Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his foresight and leadership in bringing life back into nutrition and similar programmes with direct impact on the well-being of the citizens.

    He said such programmes were long abandoned, but resuscitated by the present administration because of his desire in enhancing the lifestyle of residents.

    Bata implored the participants to maintain the confidence reposed in them by increasing the tempo of effective and well-coordinated campaign to the hinterlands.

    Earlier, the Director, Community Development in the ministry, Mr Abdullateef Mustapha, acknowledged the role of the present administration in ensuring that every indigene of Kwara was nourished.

    Mustapha said that the training would be educative and explicit, as the resource persons were well grounded in their fields.

    He urged the participants to make good use of the opportunity.

    Mr Olalekan Arinde, Director of Personnel Management, Moro Local Government, expressed gratitude to Gov. AbdulRazaq for his efforts at improving the health and wellbeing of the people.

    In his remarks, the Deputy Director, Community Development, Mr AbdulRazaq Babatunde, urged the participants to take the message of healthy living through locally made nutritious meals back to their people.

    One of the participants, Mahmood Abdullahi, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said the training was long overdue and needed, especially in the rural communities.

    He said the training would re-orientate the local government officials on their responsibilities to the healthy living of the people and the green environment.

    NAN reports that participants were drawn from the five Local Government Councils in Kwara North Senatorial District, including the Head of Department (HOD) Health, Development Officers, State Community Development Officers, and Local Government Nutrition Focal persons. (NAN)

    OJB/CEO/AMM

    ============

    Edited by Chidi Opara and Abiemwense Moru

     

     

  • Sallah: Rep donates 400 rams, N20 million to constituents 

    Sallah: Rep donates 400 rams, N20 million to constituents
    Rams
    By Polycarp Auta
    Dengi (Plateau), June 14, 2024 (NAN) Rep. Yusuf Gagdi (APC/Plateau), has donated 400 rams and N20 million to his constituents ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
    Gagdi, who represents Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency of Plateau, presented the items on Friday in Dengi, Kanam Local Government Area.
    The lawmaker said that the gesture was to ensure that his constituents, particularly the less privileged ones, celebrate Sallah with ease.
    “It has been my tradition to distribute rams, food items and cash to my constituents during festive periods.
    ”The goal is to assist the less privileged members of my constituency to celebrate. It is a yearly ritual I have sustained since 2015.
    ”This year’s celebration came at a time prices of foodstuffs and animals have skyrocketed, hence the need for me to intervene. The 400 rams and N20 million will assist,” he said.
    The lawmaker advised his constituents to use the festival to pray for peace in Plateau and Nigeria, and assured his constituents of quality representation.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AZA/ETS
    ========

  • WHO recommends support for donors

    WHO recommends support for donors

    Donors

    By Franca Ofili

    Abuja, June, 14, 2024 (NAN) The World Health Organisation has advised communities to support those who donate blood, so as to encourage others to do same.

    Dr Matshidiso Moeti, Regional Director for Africa, said this on Friday, in her message to commemorate the World Blood Donor Day, with the theme: “20 Years of Celebrating Giving: Thank You Blood Donors!”.

    Moeti said that such would have the potential to create an exponential increase in the availability of life-saving donor blood, when and where it was needed most.

    According to her, blood transfusion plays a critical role in the provision of life-saving healthcare.

    “Vulnerable people, such as mothers during childbirth; under-nourished and malaria-affected children; victims of trauma and accidents; and patients suffering from sickle cell and other chronic diseases; particularly benefit from this care,” she said.

    Moeti said that it was not merely a date on the calendar; but a celebration of altruism, empathy, and social responsibility.

    According to her, It is a day to acknowledge and honour blood donors whose acts help save the lives of others.

    “We express our gratitude to blood, plasma, and platelet donors in the African region and the world, for their life-saving donations.

    “Moreover, our gratitude is a call to action to motivate more individuals to donate blood.

    “We appreciate the gesture and are immensely grateful to all the donors in our region and worldwide; we owe them a debt of gratitude,” she said.

    Moeti said that in the past decade, WHO had provided technical and financial support to its Member States, in their efforts to improve blood products availability, quality and safety.

    The director said that the Member States in the African Region had made significant progress between 2015 and 2022.

    She said that the number of countries that have fully developed a national blood policy, increased from 37 in 2015 to 43 in 2022.

    “The average number of blood units collected per 1,000 population increased from 4.5 to 5.2, as compared to the regional target of 10 units per 1,000 population.

    “The percentage of countries participating in an external quality assessment scheme for Transfusion-Transmissible Infections (TTIs) increased from 55.3 per cent to 62.2 per cent.

    “We sincerely thank our Member States for their efforts,” Moeti said.

    According to her, in spite these improvements, countries must address the persistent challenges in the availability of safe blood and blood products.

    She said that through collective efforts, they must raise adequate and sustainable funding; continue to build systems and capacities to increase blood donation rates; and separate donated blood into its components that could be stored for long-term use.

    Moeti said that currently, African countries collect only 5.2 units of blood for every 1,000 people, below the ten donations or more per 1,000 people recommended by WHO and far from the 33 units of blood per 1,000 people collected in developed countries.

    She said that two countries had reached the regional target of at least 80 per cent of blood supply from Voluntary Non-Remunerated Blood Donors, yet, the demand for blood remained constant, while the supply often falls short.

    “This 20th anniversary is fitting to reflect on our achievements, address our challenges, and envision a future where safe blood transfusion is universally accessible.

    “Let us also remember the health of blood donors and the quality of care accorded to them.

    “This is critical in encouraging them and building the commitment and willingness to donate blood regularly,” Moeti said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    FNO/FON/SOA
    =============

    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Oluwole Sogunle

  • Firm to curb capital flight with innovative machine 

     

    Machine

    By Florence Onuegbu

    Lagos, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Pastor Sade Imoagene, the Managing Director of Global Plus Publishing (GPP), says the company will curb capital flight with its acquired innovative printing machine.

    Imogene said this on Friday in Ikeja during the unveiling of the Ecoline Manugraph Web Printing Machine, a versatile, innovative and high quality print machine.

    She said that with the availability of the printing machine, publishers would no longer send their works to other countries for printing, thereby, curbing capital flight.

    According to her, with the Ecoline Manugraph Web Printing Machine, GPP now has the capacity to serve its customers better and timelier.

    “Today is a very special day for us in GPP.

    “A day where, though we have been born 18 years ago, but we are becoming born again. Yes, because we consider this as the launch of a new era for this organisation, and of course, it can only be upward and forward.

    “Today, we celebrate a significant milestone in our journey as the foremost and preferred printing press, not only within this country, but beyond the shores of Nigeria.

    “The capacity expansion with the addition of the web that we are launching is a major leap forward in our business positioning.

    “We are ready; we have capacity that is required to face any project as small, and of course, in the process of doing that, we have also gained the mastery of adding value to our customers”.

    According to her, the company provides proofreading services for every job that comes into GPP.

    “Our valued customers will testify, they always tell us that that is something they don’t get everywhere.

    “’We don’t think it is enough to say this is what the publisher sent to us, we painstakingly look at it, and send back to you all our observations. Many times we receive a lot of appreciation for that,” she said.

    The managing director said that the organisation actually prides itself as innovative solution providers that help business to flourish.

    Also speaking, the Chairman of GPP, Pastor Yemisi Kudehinbi, said that GPP was committed to contributing to the growth of the printing industry in Nigeria.

    Kudehindi said that owing to the economic situation of the country, many printing press outfits had gone down, but GPP had continued to remain strong.

    She expressed her gratitude to the Bank of Industry (BoI) and First City Monument Bank (FCMB) for believing and supporting the organisation.

    Giving his goodwill message, the Managing Director, BoI, Dr Olasupo Olusi, commended GPP’s commitment to excellence in publishing and dedication to delivering quality content.

    Olusi, who was represented by Ag. Regional Manager, BoI, Lagos, Mr Richard Imonije, said that GPP’s contributions to the printing industry were invaluable, and BoI was honoured to be a part of the success.

    “’As you continue to inspire readers and authors alike with your innovative publications, please know that we are here to provide any assistance you may need within our purview,” he said.

    The Managing Director, FCMB, Yemisi Edun, commended GPP’s vision and innovation, and for bringing hope to Nigeria, that it may be great.

    “Again, thank you for believing and showing people that it can be done. Thank you for creating job opportunities, because this will also create even more job opportunities for us in Nigeria.

    “At FCMB, we keep supporting businesses like this. We believe that as we partner together, we will be able to take Nigeria to its greater heights again,” Edun said.

    Also, Mr Babajide Salako, President, Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON), said that he was proud seeing members embracing innovation and sustainability.

    Salako said that the installation of the new ecoline manograph web printing machine demonstrated GPP’s commitment to excellence and dedication to stay in the forefront of technology.

    “This new machine is a testament to the potential for improved efficiency, quality, and productivity.

    “I encourage all of us to continue exploring ways to enhance our craft, share knowledge, and collaborate for the betterment of our industry,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FON/VIV

    =======

    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • Finance key to making domestic gas implementation – Expert

     

    Gas

    By Lucy Ogalue

    Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Mr NJ Ayuk, the Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber, says finance is critical to implementing domestic gas on the continent.

    Ayuk said this while virtually presenting a keynote address at the ongoing Two-Day 2024 African Gas Innovation Summit (AGIS) on Friday in Abuja.

    “If we must make domestic gas work in Africa, we must start looking at how we finance that.

    “All African utilities except the ones in Seychelles, Mauritius and Morocco are bankrupt. They are not making money. We just have to take a big step on where we are.

    “Most of the gas off-takers in Europe are European utilities. Our utilities in Africa are not able to be gas off-takers.

    “I think we need to start driving how we can fix our utilities, but also how we take up our energy infrastructure,’’ he said.

    According to Ayuk, having gas is not enough without being able to drive that gas through a sustainable, well-built infrastructure on the continent.

    “The continent needs infrastructure to drive gas around Africa.

    “And then we need to take care of our energy poverty issues, clean cooking issues and even manufacturing and development.

    “There is so much need on this continent at the present moment; flaring, steel issues, and domestic gas can pave the way for us to solve that. But we also need to think a little bit differently.

    “And I urge participants in this conference to play that role in thinking differently.”

    He said it was a shame that the Nigerian gas demonetisation on the flaring project stalled and urged it to be ramped back up because Africa moves when Nigeria moves. When Nigeria talks, Africa talks.

    “There is no need to have so many projects stuck in the hands of bureaucrats and regulators that stifle free markets, ingenuity, and innovation.

    “Innovation goes when you get all these entrepreneurs out there thinking about big ideas, and then they try to find solutions and deal with a very difficult environment to get financing.

    |”And you bring that financing, and the bureaucrats, some of them unelected, get to sit on those projects and kill it. We are killing our prosperity.

    “So I want to urge this conference that we deal with those issues around fast-tracking approvals, streamlining the permitting process, and getting our people to move,’’ he said.

    Ayuk urged government officials, regulators, and policymakers to avoid putting more roadblocks to domestic gas development and streamline and move very quickly for the continent’s benefit.

    He restated the importance of incentivising domestic gas and making it bankable, as bankability was key to driving the project.

    Ayuk said: “we need to look at those above-ground risk issues that have really stopped domestic gas across Africa. You want gas to go around Africa, but people can not get visas to go around Africa.

    “That is something we will lead in our discussions with the AU in July. Travelling across this continent is easier for someone with a British or American passport.

    “Some of the Nigerian or Senegalese passports or Ghanaian passports cannot travel across Africa because of our roadblocks among ourselves.

    “So there are a lot of barriers to issues, but as we drive up this discussion, we should not forget that our above-ground risk issues are killing us when it comes to domestic gas.”

    According to the AEC boss, a free and structured market is very important, but an enabling environment is even more essential today regarding domestic gas development.

    “So, let us push Nigeria. Let us make our pride in Nigeria and Africa a real success so that we can have a country like Nigeria and a continent called Africa that we deserve and expect. “

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-day summit has as its theme “ Igniting the Future: Driving Sustainability in Africa’s Energy Landscape through Gas Technology and Innovation.

    The programme, which started on June 13, brought together stakeholders and partners from across the continent and will end on June 14. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    LCN/EEE

    ========

    Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

  • NGOs distribute menstrual pads, hygiene kits to students in IDP camp

    NGOs distribute menstrual pads, hygiene kits to students in IDP camp

    Kits
    By Justina Auta
    Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Two NGOs,  Civitas Auxillium Foundation (CAF) and BHAJ Helping Arm Foundation, on Friday, donated essential items to schools in Wassa Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Abuja.
    The NGOs specifically distributed sanitary pads and hygiene kits to female  students of Moving Star International School, Holy Trinity Academy, Welbired Academy and ECWA Zion Academy, all in Wassa IDPs Camp.
    Mrs Elizabeth Duile, the Chief Operating Officer of CAF, said that the idea was to create awareness on menstrual hygiene management, and to dispel some myths and beliefs surrounding menstruation among underprivileged children in the camp.
    She said “we need to create more awareness and empower the children with the right knowledge about how to take care of themselves on days when they have their menstrual flow.
    “Shockingly, while we were having the lecture, some of the girls said they use rags, tissue paper and other things that are not appropriate for menstrual protection.
    “So, it is important that we create awareness by educating and empowering them with the right knowledge,” she said.
    Duile acknowledged the challenges of accessing menstrual pad for people in IDPs camps, urging government and other stakeholders to implement policies that would ensure provision of facilities and materials for their well-being.
    “There is need to have toilets in the schools, especially for the girls to be able to have access to clean water and sanitary pads, and for them to freshen up without disrupting their learning.
    “This is because we had cases of girls who do not come to school whenever they are on their period, as they rather stay at home because there’s no toilet in school,” she said.
    Similarly, Dr Adejoke Ogundana, BHAJ Helping Arm Foundation, said the students were educated on menstrual hygiene management to reduce risk of infections during their menstrual cycle.
    “We were able to educate them on proper menstrual management and ways to access hygiene products and breaking stigma.
    “We did not limit it to just the girls; the boys were also included so that they can support their sisters and friends, instead of embarrassing or stigmatising them.
    “We delivered these messages also in their native languages to really impact knowledge into them and also help them to be responsible in their environments,” she said.
    Maryam Ibrahim, a junior student of the school, expressed appreciation to the NGOs for the support.
    “I am so happy with this gifts,  I always used rags during my menstrual period because my mother here in the IDP camp cannot afford to buy me sanitary pads,”she said.
    Similarly, Reuben Obadiah, another student said that he learnt lot on maintaining good hygiene,  how to support girls when the need arose, and to fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV).”
    Speaking on behalf of the schools, Mrs Chidimma Obiegwue, a teacher in Moving Star International School, said that the gesture would reduce student challenges of accessing sanitary pads and absent from school during menstrual period.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    JAD/KAE/HA
    ===========
    Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu